IT skills for Western Cape educators

Jan 15, 2008

The Centre for e-Innovation and the Western Cape Education Department has commissioned Work Skills Resources (WSR) to implement the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) programme to almost 100 of the Education Management and Development Centre (EDMC) staff.

Already boasting a high level of computer literacy, all the EDCM candidates are now on their way to becoming fully qualified holders of the ICDL certificate which comprises seven modules, including basic concepts of IT; using a computer and managing files; word processing; spreadsheets; database; presentations and information and communications. “We felt the ICDL programme was the only initiative that offered a packaged solution for our needs,” says Ronwynne Rhoda, ICT project manager at the Centre for e-Innovation, Western Cape Provincial Government.“This qualification has certainly uplifted and empowered the candidates and all of them have been incredibly enthusiastic about the programme. They realise the benefits of having an international qualification and view this as an invaluable opportunity,” says Rhoda.Obtaining the ICDL certification is not trivial – it requires commitment and dedication and a candidate must demonstrate practical proficiency in each of the most commonly used software tools. The candidate has to pass four modules to obtain the ‘Start Certificate’ and all seven modules for a ‘Full Certificate’ with a 75% pass mark. “The ICDL is recognised as the global standard in end-user computer skills and for the past 10 years the ICDL Foundation has worked to raise the level of ICT skills in society, to increase users’ confidence in computer usage and to enable access to the information society for all citizens,” says Jennifer van Niekerk, CEO of the ICDL in South Africa.Van Niekerk also confirms studies have proven that, after completing the ICDL certification, users can save time and money for their employers.ICDL certification (known as the European Computer Driving Licence in Europe) is available in 150 countries globally and has been translated into 38 languages. The ICDL has been adopted by governments, international organisations, the international business community and more recently the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) here in South Africa. In addition the Department of Communications has also showed an interest in the ICDL qualification by sponsoring 2 000 unemployed candidates to participate in the programme through Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges.